Sandy’s Racing & Gaming hosts HHR and new sportsbook, quarter horse racetrack on the way
ASHLAND, Ky. (Oct. 26, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear helped open the doors at Sandy’s Racing & Gaming – a $75 million entertainment facility in Eastern Kentucky that creates nearly 250 new jobs and millions of dollars in new tax revenue.
With nearly 700 Historical Horse Racing (HHR) games, two performance stages and a BetMGM Race & Sportsbook, the 75,000-square-foot facility is unlike anything in the area. While at Sandy’s the Governor placed a ceremonial first bet, wagering on the University of Kentucky football team to defeat the University of Tennessee football team when they meet on Saturday.
“Sandy’s Racing & Gaming is bringing top-tier racing, gaming and entertainment to Northeastern Kentucky, along with hundreds of new jobs for the people who call Boyd County and the surrounding region home,” Gov. Beshear said. “Congratulations to Revolutionary Racing and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for creating this exciting destination.”
“Last year, we promised to bring a first-class facility to Boyd County,” said Larry Lucas, chairman of Revolutionary Racing Kentucky, which is making the investment together with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. “Today, we can confidently say – promises made, promises kept.”
Construction began on the complex in April and was led by Lexington’s D.W. Wilburn Construction and the Tri-State Building Trades. More than 300 local union workers were employed throughout the project, and 90% of all materials and supplies used were made in the U.S.
Last summer, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission awarded the state’s ninth and final horse racing license to Revolutionary Racing Kentucky. The complex will soon grow to also include Kentucky’s only quarter horse racetrack and an equestrian center, located on 182 acres behind Sandy’s. While track construction is officially set to begin in early 2024, Thursday’s festivities included a ceremonial blast, leveling some of the hills at the track site. The first races are set to take place in 2025, marking continued growth for Kentucky’s thriving horse racing industry.
Sandy’s, located at 10699 U.S. Highway 60 in Ashland, is open 9 a.m.- 4 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m.- 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Amenities include a 5,200-square-foot sportsbook, which features dozens of leather recliners and three cinema-size screens, and a craft-focused kitchen.
Today’s news is the latest in a string of sports betting announcements by Gov. Beshear.
Earlier this week, Gov. Beshear announced preliminary sports wagering numbers indicate that nearly $250 million has been wagered in Kentucky and nearly 500,000 wagering accounts have been created with mobile applications since launch.
On Aug. 15 and 18, Gov. Beshear signed executive orders 2023-480 and 2023-483 appointing members of the Sports Wagering Advisory Council. The council advises the full commission and provides additional voices who have knowledge of the sports betting industry.
On Aug. 17, Gov. Beshear announced a timeline for sports wagering to open in Kentucky.
On Aug. 22, the KHRC voted to approve temporary licenses for seven operators and nine service providers. The details of those approved for licensure and their business relationships are available here. A list of licensed retail sportsbooks is available here. Some retail locations and mobile applications are coming soon.
On Aug. 31, the Sports Wagering Advisory Council recommended an initial catalog of sporting events for wagering in Kentucky.
On Sept. 7, Gov. Beshear placed the first sports bet at Churchill Downs. He placed a $20 parlay bet for the “over” on wins for the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville football teams, and the “under” on Duke University’s football team.
On Sept. 21, the Wagering Catalog was updated to include Formula 1 Racing, NRL (National Rugby League Australia), PFL (Professional Fighters League - MMA), Bellator (MMA) and Universal Tennis League. Ultimately, it is up to the providers if they want to offer these for wagering.
House Bill 551 established a new excise tax on sports wagering: 9.75% on the adjusted gross revenues on wagers made at a licensed facility and 14.25% on wagers placed online or on a smartphone.
Sports wagering is expected to increase the state’s revenue by an estimated $23 million a year upon full implementation. The increase in revenue will support the oversight of sports wagering and then be dedicated to the Kentucky permanent pension fund.
Additionally, 2.5% will support the Problem Gambling Assistance Fund. The fund educates Kentuckians on safe gambling practices, the risks of developing a gambling problem, risk factors and warning signs of gambling problems and available services to reduce the consequences of problem gambling.
Resources are available by calling or texting 800-GAMBLER (800-426-2537), visiting KYCPG.org or emailing kyproblemgamblingassistance@ky.gov.
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